Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio as indicators of abdominal obesity

Obesity is linked to various gynaecological conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and leads to metabolic syndrome. Early diagnosis of visceral obesity would help control the occurrence and progression of these diseases The aim of the study was to compare waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio with body mass index (BMI) as indicators of abdominal obesity. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 women with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) fulfilling Rotterdam criteria over a period of one year. Height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference were measured. BMI and waist to hip ratio were calculated. These were compared with each other. Overall, average waist circumference and waist to hip ratio were found to be 68. 69 cm and 0. 82 respectively and mean BMI was 23. 07 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity by BMI was 69%, abdominal obesity for WC was 59. 1% while for WHR 61. 36 %. Waist circumference was found to have high positive correlation with BMI (r=0. 75) compared to waist to hip ratio (r=0. 40). Thus, waist circumference and waist hip ratio are easy methods of measuring fat distribution and can be used for the monitoring the development of metabolic syndrome in PCOS.